Christmas at Hotel del Coronado is one of Southern California’s most iconic holiday traditions. Each year, the historic beachfront resort transforms into a winter wonderland with an oceanfront ice skating rink, glittering lights, and festive experiences for all ages. I have many clients booked for this year’s festivities, and I’m updating this article live from the resort’s Ocean Club as I watch people ice skate.
The celebration begins the weekend before Thanksgiving and runs through New Year’s, drawing both locals and visitors from across the country. For 2025, the holiday theme is “A Holiday in Oz,” inspired by The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its author, L. Frank Baum. Baum was a longtime guest at the hotel and wrote ten books while staying here, with Hotel del Coronado serving as Emerald City!
This season is a cherished tradition for repeat guests, my own family, and members of my team. Below, I’ve outlined exactly what to expect at Hotel del Coronado this holiday season, including key dates, must-do experiences, and planning tips I’ve also shared with Travel + Leisure. This guide isn’t based on a walkthrough or a photo op. I’ve spent thousands of dollars experiencing the holidays here firsthand, and that perspective matters when you’re deciding whether it’s worth planning around.
Christmas at Hotel del Coronado (2025–2026): Dates, Events & What to Expect
Planning a full holiday itinerary?
Don’t miss my detailed Christmas in San Diego guide with the best light displays, festive events, and family experiences across the city.
1. Skating by the Sea: Beachfront Ice Skating at Hotel del Coronado
November 21 –January 4, 2026
Skating by the Sea is truly a one-of-a-kind Southern California experience and a great thing to do in San Diego for kids during the holidays. This spectacular ice rink on the Windsor Lawn offers stunning views of Coronado Beach, spectator seating, and a bar area serving festive cocktails.
It’s really the centerpiece of all the holiday events and is very well done. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego.
Ticket prices for Skating by the Sea are as follows:
- General Admission: $40 per person
- Value Skate Days: $35 per person (December 2–3, 9–10, and 16–17)
- Discounted Admission ($35 per person): Available for Hotel Guests, Members, Military, and First Responders
- Schedule: Check online for specific ice rink hours
All tickets include 90 minutes of ice skating time and skate rental. You can bring your own ice skates, but the admission price will remain the same. Tickets can be reserved online.
My Tips for Successful Skating
2. Frostbite Lounge: Fireside Seating with Rinkside Views and Festive Cocktails
November 21–January 4, 2026
Frostbite Lounge is an area of tables with real fire pits surrounded by comfortable lounge seating around the perimeter of the ice rink. You can rent them for groups of four to eight people for a cozy place to hang out, with full food and beverage service.
Pricing is based on a rental fee plus a food-and-drink minimum. Opening hours vary, but most evenings, the lounge is open until 10 p.m.
Insider Tip: My advice is to dress warmly because you are near the ice rink, and when I was there, it was a bit chilly in these seats.
3. Beachside Igloos: Private Clear-Bubble Domes on the Sand with S’mores & Fire Pit
November 21–January 4, 2026
Reserve your private Beachside Igloo during the holidays for a unique San Diego experience! Up to eight guests can enjoy an igloo for two hours (four people inside and four outside).
Get cozy in this stunning oceanside living room for the season’s ultimate family event. Inside, you’ll keep warm seated on lounge chairs around a heater, or you can step outside to roast s’mores around a roaring fire pit before brushing off sandy toes to snuggle up inside again.
Only the rental fee is charged in advance when you prebook online, but the total price for a two-hour visit ranges from $250–$500, depending on the date and time.
Our clients love the igloos, so I recommend booking them in advance! I tried to book one for my family at the last minute during our stay at Beach Village, and they were sold out.
4. Tinsel Trail to Oz: Themed Christmas Trees Around the Resort
November 21–January 4, 2026
This year’s holiday décor is themed to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, with a self-guided Tinsel Trail to Oz that features 11 beautifully themed Christmas trees throughout the resort. Don’t miss the two-story “Road to Oz” tree in the Victorian Lobby or Glinda’s sparkling pink tree on the Southpointe Lawn.
The most immersive stop is the Yellow Brick Road experience in the Garden Courtyard, complete with whimsical oversized florals, character moments on select nights, and themed cocktails from the Emerald Bar (open on select dates).
Most trees are viewable by the public. The Emerald City trees in the Crown and Coronet Rooms are only accessible to guests attending holiday dining events.
Insider Tip: I think you get the most out of the Garden Courtyard experience in the evening when the lights turn the usual sidewalk yellow, and you can see some of the other lighted themed decor.
5. Oz Lightshow Spectacular: Nightly Music and Light Display
November 21–January 4, 2026
This gorgeous holiday light show set to music plays every 30 minutes from 5-9 p.m. every night on the Founders Lawn and will definitely bring out your holiday spirit. The show features a Jazz/Wizard of Oz soundtrack as the light show plays along among the enormous Norfolk Island Pine trees.
A Victorian-style bar and lounge have been added for select nights this holiday season, where you can take in the show in style. Don’t forget to stay till the end for a flurry of surprises!
This event is free to the public, which is neat. Older kids may not appreciate it as much as younger kids. My husband thought it was just okay, but because it’s free, the crowds come to The Del just to see it.
6. Thanksgiving Buffet in the Crown and Coronet Rooms
November 27, 2025
Thanksgiving dinner at Hotel del Coronado takes place in the hotel’s newly restored Crown Room, Coronet Rooms, and the Ocean Ballroom (with stunning views from this section) this year. Guests are invited to give thanks and celebrate with friends and family at an elegant, sumptuous buffet, with live music to entertain.
This year’s holiday theme is ‘Lights, Camera, Holiday!’, and the hotel will feature a glittering display of Hollywood glamor throughout the resort.
- Buffet Hours: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Adult Tickets: $205 per person ($199 for hotel guests)
- Child Tickets (ages 5–12): $100 per child
- Children 4 & Under: Free with a paying adult
- Price Increase: From November 15, adult tickets will rise to $225 each
7. Classic Victorian Holiday Tea in the Crown Room
December 18–22, 2025
This charming tradition is a great treat for the whole family. Young and old alike will love Del’s classic Victorian Tea, set among music in the beautifully restored Crown Room. You’ll be served an array of finger sandwiches and sweet and savory treats while sipping on a selection of teas. Special plates are available especially for children to join in the fun.
Victorian Tea is priced at $130 per adult and $98.50 per child (ages 5-12).
8. Photos with Santa on the Southpoint Lawn
December 2, 5-6, 13-14, 19-24, 2025
Guests of all ages are invited to take photos with Old St. Nick in front of the beautiful 25-foot Christmas tree on the lawn near Shore House. The cost usually starts at $30 and includes a professionally taken 5×7 photo, printed onsite, so your photos with Santa are available immediately.
Guests are also welcome to take their own photos. Make a reservation online to secure your spot.
9. Jingle Roast: Private Beach Bonfires with S’mores
December 1–25, 2025
Gather friends and family around a private bonfire on the beach at sunset for a Jingle Roast at The Del. Colorful Santa hats and holiday s’mores supplies are included, but you can also opt to purchase food from ENO Market & Pizzeria or the Beach + Taco Shack.
Fire pits can be reserved for up to 10 people for one hour. Whether you’re a day or overnight guest, you can take advantage of this fun private beach bonfire activity, but reservations are required.
Insider Tip: This is a lower-cost way to enjoy private s’mores, but igloos may be similarly priced on select dates. Also, the s’mores here have gotten really good—more gourmet than they used to be!
10. Gingerbread House Decorating with Lots of Candy
December 12-14, 20-24
This holiday season, guests are invited to decorate gingerbread houses at the hotel. This sweet event features festive decorations and holiday treats, including a fully stocked candy bar.
To make things easy, the culinary team at Hotel del Coronado will pre-cut the gingerbread house, allowing kids of all ages to focus on the best part: decorating. Tickets cost $65 per house, and reservations must be made in advance.
The house isn’t quite as big as I thought it would be, and while it took two school-aged kids in my family the full hour to decorate it, I probably would have reserved two on hindsight. I appreciated how generous the staff was with the decorations, as you could ask for more frosting and take as much candy from the bar as you wanted.
11. Elf Deliveries: Holiday Surprises Delivered to Your Room
December 12-14 and 20-24, 2025
Do you want to surprise your little ones with something special during the holidays? The Del has an extra special treat option for guests on select dates leading up to Christmas Day. Santa’s elves will deliver a personalized, themed bag filled with holiday treats and a stuffed animal directly to your room upon request.
Reservations must be made in advance and are only available to overnight guests.
12. Holiday Movies on the Beach: Classic Films Under the Stars
November 29 and December 6, 13, 20, 27, 31, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
This holiday treat first takes place in the fall and then continues into the winter season. You’ll be snuggling up under the stars at the Del’s Movies On The Beach, where they show family-friendly classics on select evenings throughout December.
Every General Admission ticket includes a classic red Del sand chair to watch from, and I definitely recommend bringing your own blanket to keep warm. You can also opt to upgrade to a ‘Roast Family Movie Package’ for the ultimate Coronado Island movie experience for up to 6 people. You’ll get your own bonfire on the beach, and s’mores supplies to enjoy while you take in the movie.
I could see “Elf” playing on the screen from my suite’s patio at Beach Village but not well enough to actually enjoy the movie. Beach Village guests in the front row cottages may hear a little bit of the movie sound from inside their rooms and suites until it’s over. I didn’t think it was a big deal, just something to note.
13. Christmas Eve Dinner at The Del
December 24, 2025
This year, guests can experience an extra special Christmas Eve buffet in the newly renovated Crown and Coronet rooms. You’ll enjoy a banquet beneath the 33-foot-tall domed wood ceilings and famed crown chandeliers designed by The Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum.
Surrounded by twinkling lights and Christmas trees, you’ll get to feast on an elegant buffet featuring traditional Christmas offerings and some surprise additions. The menu will be announced soon on the hotel website.
14. The Famous Hotel del Coronado Christmas Day Brunch
December 25, 2025
Guests can also celebrate Christmas Day with a special festive buffet, also in The Del’s Crown and Coronet rooms. The elaborate menu will include all your favorite Christmas fixings and trimmings and is sure to be a great feast.
The hotel’s holiday theme for this year, ‘Lights, Camera, Holiday,’ promises a fabulous Old Hollywood theme throughout the resort, with sparkling lights, towering trees, garlands, and holiday decorations surrounding Christmas Day guests. Be sure to check out the spectacular two-story Christmas tree in the hotel lobby.
15. New Year’s Eve Pub Bash at The Laundry
December 31, 2026
The Del’s Laundry Pub will see in the New Year in style with a night of live rock ‘n’ roll and blues entertainment. An open bar is included with the ticket, along with a large selection of pub bites and a dessert bar.
The New Year’s Eve party will spill out to the beer garden, or you can cozy up in the historic Laundry building, where the live band will keep things lively well into 2026.
Prices and online reservations will be available on the hotel website soon.
16. Holiday Shopping Onsite and the Annual Hotel del Coronado Christmas Ornament
And let’s not forget shopping for the holidays at the on-site stores. This is the 33nd year of the Annual Collector’s Ornament, and in line with this year’s theme, it features a yellow brick road leading to The Del’s Victorian building.
It comes in a very nice green padded gift box, ready for travel and gift-giving. You can buy it online. I have multiple Hotel del Coronado ornaments on my tree, including one from the year I was married there.
This year’s ornament is sold out. If you want these, buy them as soon as they’re released!
Is Hotel del Coronado Worth Visiting for the Holidays?
Yes, particularly if you go with the right expectations. The resort is festive, beautifully decorated, and full of seasonal energy, but it is also one of the busiest times of the year.
It is worth it if you:
- Appreciate elegant holiday décor, lights, and themed experiences
- Want a uniquely Southern California Christmas at the beach
- Plan to enjoy Skating by the Sea or more than one holiday activity
- Stay overnight and make a full experience of it
It may not be the right fit if you:
- Prefer quiet spaces and minimal crowds
- Are looking for a low-key or budget-friendly holiday outing (though walking through the resort is free and still a fun thing to do)
- Do not plan to reserve activities and dining in advance
My perspective:
The Del is by far our most festive place to be during the holidays, especially for families, but the activity costs can add up (including parking or an Uber). If you are visiting on a budget, that is okay! Go for the holiday decor, a walk along the beach, and maybe treat yourself to some fudge from Spreckels or an ice cream. That is a fun-filled day.
Do You Need to Stay Overnight at Hotel del Coronado for the Holiday Activities?
You do not need to stay overnight to enjoy most of the holiday experiences at Hotel del Coronado. Day visitors are welcome! However, the experience is different depending on how you visit. I’ve done both, and it’s likely this year I will also stay overnight AND visit for the day.
If you’re visiting for the day:
- You can book Skating by the Sea, Beachside Igloos, photos with Santa, and most festive activities.
- Parking can be expensive and busy, especially on December weekends. Try an app like SpotHero to find public parking lots that can be less expensive, but they may be full (see my tips below).
- Expect crowds, and allow a little extra time to navigate the resort.
- All of the restaurants (with the exception of the Ocean Club) are open to the public. Make dining reservations when possible.
If you stay overnight:
- You’re already on-site, which makes the experience far more relaxed and enjoyable.
- Overnight guests get priority access for dining and special event reservations.
- You can spread activities out over multiple days instead of a few hours.
- You can take advantage of some guest-only holiday activities like Elf Deliveries.
- There is still availability, and you can use my Crown Club benefits to book.
Bottom line:
A day visit is great for one or two activities, but if you want to enjoy more than that or avoid parking and crowds, staying overnight gives you more time to enjoy everything.
See also: How to Spend a Day at Hotel del Coronado
My Advice on Choosing a Room During the Holiday Season
There are a couple of things I’ve known and observed firsthand during this year’s events. On the weekends, the Windsor Lawn, where the ice rink is, is very busy. It’s the busiest I’ve ever seen it. Plus, The Victorian Building’s outdoor restaurant patios were also buzzing.
The Victorian Oceanfront rooms face these activities, so you will receive some ambient noise until maybe 10 p.m. I would request a high floor during this time or perhaps a different room type if noise bothers you. Some clients we have like being in the thick of things, so they prefer this location. It is completely personal preference!
If you’re in search of quiet, I suggest staying in The Views building, Beach Village or Shore House. I am typing this from my Oceanfront Horizon Suite (highly recommend) in Beach Village, whose guests have a la carte access to Ocean Club. I loved escaping the crowds at Ocean Club for a quiet dinner and a glass of wine. But I could still see all of the holiday buzz.
If You Do Stay, Use My Benefits
Many people, even locals, stay overnight at Hotel del Coronado during the holidays. I have some advice if this is in your plans. And I also have access to some amazing perks and services at the hotel.
SALE: 3rd Night Free on select dates: The promotional rate appears as a 33% discount when booking a three-night stay. You must be logged into Virtuoso.com to view the Exclusive Sale pricing. Blackout dates apply. Book by February 19, 2026.
Sign in or create a free Virtuoso account to see the discounted rate! When booking on Virtuoso.com use the number of adults traveling to get the correct rates. Kids may otherwise be priced as adults. We will add them after we follow up to collect your arrival details. If you see multiple rates for the same room type, choose the lowest rate. Check the status of ocean swimming in front of Coronado Lifeguard Tower as it changes. This is the testing station in front of Hotel del Coronado.
See also: The Most Luxurious San Diego Beach Vacation: Beach Village at The Del
Other Hotel del Coronado Holiday Tips
The Wizard of Oz isn’t really ingrained in popular culture like it was when I was young. If your kids aren’t familiar with it, maybe show them a book or parts of the movie before you come to The Del.
The Hotel del Coronado is a popular place to spend the holiday season. Reservations for any dining, spa, or special events are highly encouraged. The hotel’s common areas are quite busy during the holidays.
Day guests are permitted to use self-parking in the North Garage only. The current parking rates are $39 for the first 2 hours and $17 for each additional hour. The daily maximum is $100.
Valet parking is also available for day guests at $49 for the first 2 hours and $17 per extra hour.
Important Holiday Parking Notes
Normally, you’ll receive a $15 validation on parking at The Del when you spend $100 on dining and shopping. This does not apply during the holiday event season. Instead the valet offered me a flat $49 (paid by cash or Venmo) to park for as long as I wanted which I took him up on because we were having dinner at Nobu and wanted to spend time wandering the grounds.
I did not try to self-park. First, the lot isn’t that large and the savings wasn’t worth it to me. (Also, we were running late for our Nobu reservation.) The nearby parking lots were full on apps like SpotHer.
What is your favorite thing to do at the Hotel del Coronado during the holidays?
Katie Dillon
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